Morphological Characterization and Productive and Reproductive Performance of Sojat Goats under Farmers’ Management Conditions in Rajasthan, India
Arjun Lal Kakraliya
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Raja Balwant Singh College, Bichpuri, Affiliated with, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra, India.
Pawan Kumar Singh
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Raja Balwant Singh College, Bichpuri, Affiliated with, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra, India.
Meetha Lal Meena
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Raja Balwant Singh College, Bichpuri, Affiliated with, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra, India.
Rajan Singh *
Department of LPM, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, India.
Paramveer Palriya
Communication Centre Kerala Agriculture University, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala-680651, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study was conducted to assess the morphological characteristics, growth, productive performance and reproductive performance, management practices and production constraints of Sojat goats under field conditions in Rajasthan.
Study Design: A field-based survey was conducted using a structured and pre-tested interview schedule.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in selected areas of Pali and Jodhpur districts of Rajasthan, India.
Methodology: Two tehsils from each district, four villages from each tehsil and 15 Sojat goat farmers from each selected village were selected, resulting in a total sample of 240 respondents. Data were collected through personal interviews and direct observations. Information on socio-economic characteristics, morphological traits, growth, production and reproduction, breeding, feeding, housing, milking, marketing and health-care practices was recorded. Constraints perceived by farmers were assessed using a three-point severity scale. Data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, standard error, mean percent score and chi-square test, wherever appropriate.
Results: The study revealed considerable variation in the morphological and productive characteristics of Sojat goats under field conditions. The mean age at first mating was 375.04 ± 0.40 days in males and 389.41 ± 0.24 days in females, while the ages at first oestrus and first kidding were 280.23 ± 0.47 and 496.15 ± 0.50 days, respectively. The mean oestrous cycle, kidding interval and gestation period were 18.50 ± 0.14, 346.25 ± 2.81 and 146.88 ± 0.03 days, respectively. The mean litter size was 1.55 ± 0.10, with a lifetime kidding frequency of 11.10 ± 0.06. The findings indicated good reproductive potential and productive longevity of Sojat goats. Farmers followed diverse traditional and improved management practices, while constraints related to breeding, feeding, housing, health care and marketing were also observed.
Conclusion: Sojat goats demonstrated favourable growth, productive and reproductive potential under farmer-managed conditions. Improvements in scientific management practices, breeding services, health care, feeding and marketing facilities could further enhance the productivity and economic viability of Sojat goat production.
Keywords: Sojat goat, morphological characterisation, growth performance, milk production, reproductive performance, farmer management, goat husbandry, production constraints